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Inaka Japanese Restaurant (田舎日本料理) in Pulau Tikus is one of the finer Japanese restaurants outside the large shopping malls, therefore the food is more competitively priced compared to its mall counterparts.

Given the delightful experience previously, we decided to return for lunch today.

From the hot plate menu, we requested the Teppan Salmon (鉄板鮭, RM15.00). This selection comes in a full set: Salad, Chawanmushi (steamed eggs), Miso Soup, Rice and Watermelon.

Thumbs up for the Teppan Salmon (salmon fillet on hot plate). The fillet is quite juicy, while the hot teriyaki sauce adds flavor to the already-buttery meat. It is served while sizzling, so be careful when handling it. Usually, I prefer to wait till the heat subsides for a while before engaging my fragile tongue.

On the other side of the dining table was the Tempura Sashimi (天ぷら刺身, RM22.90). For this price, it is really a good deal: 2 reasonably thick slices of Raw Salmon (鮭), 2 even-thicker slices of White Tuna (白鮪), 2 large Tempura Shrimps, a handful of Tempura Vegetables, Braised Battered Chicken, Salad, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, Rice and Watermelon. We enjoyed the sashimi the most, but we also need to commend the fine taste of the tempura. Inaka surely knows what fine Japanese food is all about.

Overall, we had a very satisfying lunch that did not burn a deep hole through our wallets.

It feels déjà vu as it wasn't very long since we patronized Taipei 101. In fact, it was our very previous non-hawker-center meal.

Embracing the virtue of diversity, we placed our orders across different pages of the menu.

First up is the Unagi Bento (鳗鱼便当, RM16.50), which is Japanese eel for those not so familiar with Japanese cuisine. The portion is rather generous, and the seasoning is quite nice, though it wouldn't win any Iron Chef competitions.

Next in line on the chopping board is the Deep Fried Pork Chop Noodle (花莲炸排骨面, RM7.90). I have to hand it to the chef for the correct amount of deep-frying: Just enough heat to give the batter a nice crisp, yet preserving the juiciness of pork.

The same cannot be said for the Lemongrass Chicken Rice (柠檬香茅鸡腿排饭, RM9.90), which I think is overcooked, making its taste dry and unsavory.

This dish consists of a decent amount of deep-fried chicken coated with sweet Marmite sauce, a brand of food paste often used as bread spread. In addition, it includes a baked Chinese bun (馒头). The bun serves a good purpose to "wipe up" the remaining sauce on the plate. By itself, the bun is soft and sweet, while the crust is crispy. With two perfect superstars in one dish, how can they do justice to others?

The Stir Fried Prawns With Butter (奶油虾, RM12.00) begs to differ. Although not considered one of Plus 2 Restaurant's signature dish, it is also worth tasting. The four large shrimps which are coated in a sauce made of butter and salted egg yolk. This makes the dish so addictive to eat!

Instead of white rice, I ordered a plate of Fried Rice In Yong Chew Style (扬州炒饭, RM6.00). The cooking is reasonably good, but it was not the main spotlight for today's dinner.

In summary, Plus 2 Restaurant is a must-go if you are in this area. You wouldn't regret it!

Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) is a style of Japanese cooking where food is grilled (焼き) over a hot iron plate (鉄板). Typically, the grilling is done in view of the diners, probably for showmanship purpose.

There is such a restaurant at Sungai Nibong, just adjacent to Restoran Lemongrass. Restoran Yaki Teppan, using the generic name for its style of cooking, is quite popular due to the relatively affordable pricing for a filling meal.

I ordered the ultimate set meal: Chicken, Prawn Saba Fish Teppanyaki (RM19.90), so that I can try several types of meat at once.

The Teriyaki Chicken was well done and sweet due to the right amount of teriyaki sauce. It was also garnished with sesame seeds.

The Salmon Slice was also nice because it was thin enough for the heat to work through all layers.

As for the two Large Shrimps, they were a treat indeed! Not only they were fresh, but juicy in the mouth too!

The meal also came with a generous portion of Grilled Cabbages, Carrots And Bean Sprouts. This made the plate very heavy indeed!

Other included items were a bowl of Garlic Fried Rice, Miso Soup, two pieces of Fried Wantan, Salad, Carrot Juice, and a small cup of Jelly as dessert.

Although I have tasted better teppanyaki, the price at Restoran Yaki Teppan was a steal indeed!

One unintended side effect of teppanyaki restaurants is the smoke irritation from the griddle. Restoran Yaki Teppan could have done a better job by having an exhaust vent at the grilling station.

Although a commonplace in Klang Valley, A&W is still relatively new in Penang. This outlet in Gurney Plaza is located at the new wing, away from the main shoppers traffic.

The first item is the combo set for Marina Fish Sandwich (RM12.65). A combo set means that it comes with a frosty mug of Root Beer and regular portion of Fries.

For an extra RM2.00, the Marina Fish Sandwich comes in double patty. The fish fillet are not as thick as advertised, but still tasty nevertheless. There was also a slice of cheddar cheese and a piece of seaweed. Not sure whether the latter was a promotional add-on or part of the double-patty burger.

As for the Chicken Sandwich (RM7.95), the chicken fillet was also tender and nice - by fast food standards.

As for the Grilled Chicken Burger (RM5.95), the taste was not as good as the likes to Burger King or McDonald's. Nevertheless, its lower price still puts A&W in the race.

Root Beer is to A&W as Mickey Mouse is to Disneyland. Somehow, I like the frosty sensation from A&W's Root Beer, which cannot be experienced from a can.